It has been six months since Soap Central first reported that Austin Peck (Austin Reed) would be returning to Days of our Lives. The actor was to have made his return in June, so when July 1st rolled around it was only natural that some fans would write in to ask what was going on.

So what was going on? For fans who had been counting the days 'til Peck's return, those days soon became the months of their lives.

According to a setside source, Days of our Lives head writer James E. Reilly wanted to wrap up some other storylines before weaving Peck's Austin into the canvas. The top scribe, who also serves as head writer of NBC's Passions, originally thought that the right time for Austin's return would be in June... then July...

So here it is, the final week of September and Peck will finally be making his much anticipated return.

"It's going to be very exciting," said DAYS executive producer Ken Corday in a statement. "Austin is wonderful. He and I have had a number of conversations. He is thrilled to be coming back."

Peck was last seen in 2002, when his on-screen alter ego dumped Sami Brady at the altar. Ironically, Peck's return comes just in time for Sami's wedding to Lucas.